Tucson Marathon Recap

You did an amazing job and you were sick. That’s just so unbelievable. You should be proud of yourself. I know I am!

So glad you are feeling a bit better — and wow — can’t believe you ran that well being sick!!! I struggle to run when I’m healthy — sending good thoughts and prayers your way! Excited to keep following you and see where your journey leads! Have a restful rest of your week!!

Praying for your healing. Thank you for being so open and honest… You are one strong woman!!

I just love you and this recap. You are SUCH a strong a runner. I think that you are taking this gracefully, continue with the positive outlook…. you did such a hard thing on Sunday! ps each of your brothers are about to call you and tell you stop being so silly, you could never disappoint them :) xoxo … rest and enjoy your recovery!

Aw Janae! My heart was breaking for you while reading this. Sometimes our bodies just revolt and we have no choice but to obey them. I’m glad that nothing more serious happened and that you’re OK! I hope that you can figure out this stomach situation ASAP.

Last year I had similar issues and threw up before, during and after every race. While I’m a lot slower than you, I can definitely relate to the frustration. I changed up my fueling, ran more races so I didn’t have race day anxiety, and let go of time goals. I know that would be difficult or impossible for you, but it might help! When I let go of those inner and outer expectations, I hit my goals of breaking 2 hours in a half and actually enjoyed myself- without throwing up :) Next year I’m doing my third full after two very unsuccessful ones and hoping to apply the same mindset!

By the way, I can promise you everyone in your family is extremely proud of you. You are an amazing mom, sister, daughter, friend, and runner. I’m sure they all just want you to be happy and healthy and help as much as possible! You still had an incredible race and none of them can possibly be disappointed in you..maybe just disappointed for you since you wanted it so badly!

If I had never found your blog, I’m not sure I would’ve ever gotten into long distance running. You helped me see running as this awesome, empowering thing and I wanted to be a part of that. Now running is a huge part of my life and when I need to cry, celebrate, or blow of steam, I turn to running. I started reading here in March 2013 when I was just 19 years old, and I’ve done many half-marathons and 2 full-marathons since then. In April, I’ll be at Boston. I will always been impressed by you no matter what, and you’ll always be such a huge role model. After my runs every morning I always check here to see what’s up in Hungry Runner world. You are so strong, brave, and inspiring. I’ll always be cheering you on!

I’m really proud of you! Most people would DNF and you not only finished but still finished with a spectacular time! I remember it took me a years to qualify for Boston due to injuries. When it finally happened, I was so happy I didn’t even care about running Boston – I was just so happy to get my BQ! Strange right? I’ve never been sick in a race but I tend to get horrible side stitches from going out to fast that ruin it for me. No races planned yet, currently nursing yet another injury! UGH. Once I know I can train I’ll start looking around. I like both but for different reasons. Big for fun, small to PR. Btw your family is so amazing and supportive!!! Love it.

Janae,

I thought of you during my easy 6 miler this morning. Why would a 41 yr. old Mom of 3 girls (ages 6, 12, & 15) spend time thinking about a blogger I have never met?!? Like you, I missed my goal marathon almost 5 weeks ago because I got sick the week of the race and still had a fever the day before. 5 months of training with my sights set for a sub 3:30 only to have to switch gears and reschedule (marathon this Saturday!)! So, I found and started reading your blog over a year ago because of the shared running interest, but I have continued reading your blog because of YOU! You are a perfect blend of dignity, strength, humility, and positivity in the face of difficult circumstances. Amd your family! My goodness…. There would be a lot less crime in this world if everyone were so lucky to be loved and supported by such a wonderful crew as yours! Just remember this… Your readers were all cheering you on to reach your goal, but we read, NOT because of your impressive running ability (trust me, there are plenty of blogs out there of talented runners), but because we like you, we want you to succeed, and we are rooting for you because we can see your pure goodness in every post. Keep your chin up! There is something you will learn from this (God uses your difficulties for good!!!).

Finishing the race in these conditions is so much more impressive than an under 3 marathon. If I were you this is the medal I would be most proud of. (Plus, it’s a cool medal.) I’m pretty new to running, so I haven’t had a race horror story yet. But I know it happens to everyone and I worry about how I’ll handle it when it happens to me. Hearing your story reminds me that it’s really no big deal and it doesn’t make you less of a runner. In fact, it makes you an even stronger one. Thanks for sharing this!

Sorry this one was so difficult, but man.. you are so inspirational. Keep up the positive outlook!

And I’ve wanted to say this for days (forever…), but you really do have the most amazing family. Absolutely wonderful to read about! :)

So sorry you had to struggle through that but man are you tough!! You have a sub-3 in you, I just know it. I love what your friend sent you! And your family wouldn’t have it any other way than to be there for you, I’m sure. Wishing you well as you heal and rest.

You will achieve your A-goal – you have the ability too and one day the marathon gods won’t be so angry with you :-) My GI system knows when it is race day and goes into hyper-drive too.

I have a few 5K’s, 10Ks a half marathon and one fall marathon in the plans for 2016. Not 100% sure about the fall marathon though, I can easily switch to the half if timing doesn’t work out.

You’re such such a champ for still running the marathon despite your gut issues. I’m I’m so glad that your attitude towards running has changed. Changed run should never devastate you or anybody. :)

My 2016 race schedule isn’t quite set yet…but I’ve got at least one Spring half, hopefully a second. One as a goal half, one for fun. & probably a fall goal half & a relay race or two sprinkled in.

Umm during my first marathon, my grandma had passed a few days prior & her funeral was the day before. I found a penny on the ground at mile 20ish (she used to sing me a song called “Pennies from Heaven”) & I lost it. I was sobbing as I hobbled down the race course, then I saw my mom who says “You look terrible honey, should I get the car?”

Uhh MOM!? NO. We laugh about her comments now, but boy was that the wrong thing to say right then. Haha.

One of the hardest obstacles I’ve faced was during the Boston Marathon last year. I had a great training cycle and was looking to get sub 3:20 and I knew I could do it. Well one week before I got hit by a car during my last long run (thankfully I was okay just a swollen knee, scraps, and an out place hip). Regardless I did not hit my goal and finished the race running like a pimp with a limp (; So just realize that sometimes things are out of our control. The only thing you can do is get back up when life knocks you down and give it another go! You will get that sub 3:00 one day you just got to stay resilient and persevere.

Big Races all the way! Love the energy of them (hate the porta potty lines)

What a great post. I am totally in awe of you. Your attitude in the face of disappointment, your perseverance, your running skills. You’re awesome.

Something I remind myself every time I lace up my shoes is that “all I can do is give all that I have today”. Every day is not the same, and some days’ “all” can be more or less than others. I’m endlessly impressed by you, Janae, that you always give your all, whatever that looks like on that day. Sunday’s race was no different. You’re setting a great example to Brooke and your nieces and nephews about commitment, determination, and humility. Thank you for sharing such an honest recap!

The hardest thing I ever faced in a race was getting to start of the Jacksonville marathon in Feb 2014. Everything that race morning went wrong. I accidentally left my knee band in my race bag and had to run back to bag check to fish it out. My iPod died in the corral. It was more humid than it was supposed to be. I was mentally so out of it that I took me three miles to get my head right. Good news, I still PR’d! It was my first sub-5 hour race.

SO proud of your attitude! Love reading your blog for that reason. Do you set New Year’s resolutions?

Ugh I am so sorry this didn’t go as planned. Thanks for sharing such a beautifully honest post. I’ll be cheering for you when you try again.

What a great race recap! I really hate that things didn’t go your way, but appreciate your transparency with your readers and your attitude. I honestly can’t think of any major obstacles that have happened to me mid-race (other than maybe a shoe coming untied). I am realizing how fortunate I have been. I am starting off 2016 w/ a half in January and a full in February. I am going to need some down time after that for sure! I know that you don’t need me to tell you this, but … You are enough. You don’t have to earn anyone’s love or respect, especially not your family’s. I totally get it though. It’s one of those things that is easier to recognize and tell other people than to put into practice in your own life I think. Have a great day!

To still finish in that time considering all of your issues; you are an inspiration. As someone who ran marathons and many races while in the midst of Crohn’s flares (undiagnosed until after) I can confidently say I have never finished that strong. Keep up that positive outlook. I’ve taken a year off of the marathon myself to let my body heal from my flare and can say for me, I am now running the strongest ever, I’ve PR’d all shorter distances!

Next year I hope to do a couple of 50 mile races in the summer, then shorter trail races in the fall. I’ve run a race where the only thing that pulled me through was my consistency of training. At the same time, it’s necessary to take time out afterwards and readjust to life a little, instead of jumping right into another training cycle. That just causes massive burnout. Good for you for aiming for some different goals for a while and taking some rest time off. It’ll be much easier for your gut to heal if hard running isn’t stressing it out.

It’s good you’re looking forward! You always need something to look forward to! Stay positive, you got this!!! <3

For me, I like both big and small races… It really just depends on the actual race. Love the NYC Marathon and all the spectators – but hate the end mile walk and the crowds…

LOVED the Eugene Marathon!! That's about 8,000 people with the half marathon included.

Great post. I know the disappointment is hard, but you have a great attitude coming out. Its totally normal to be upset about the way the race went down, but now that its over, all you can do is look ahead and live in the now rather than in the past. It was all so out of your control and you did the best you could with that curve ball. I’m proud of you :)

Stomach bugs are the worst! Your coach cracks me up because it is SO true. I laughed and cried with this post thank you for sharing and being real! It also made me think of the love my daughter has for her big brothers SO very sweet and a precious bond. My heart melted.

you are such a tough cookie to run a full marathon with literally nothing in your system. i cant even imagine the sheer will power that took. that picture with your brother breaks my heart every time I see it in a good way. You are so incredibly lucky to have such an awesome and supportive family. and can i just say…wow on your time, even with the mess that was your digestive system that is still a fantastic time, i cant wait to read all about your next races and how you crushed them all

Janae, your idea of ‘crawling’ and my idea of ‘crawling’ are two very different things. even your post bonk splits are super fast to most of us.

The fastest two miles I ever ran were 12:30 when I was maybe 23 years old. But that was just 2 miles. You did damn close to that for 19 on a bad day with no fuel. We’re all very impressed here, ya know…(that’s a Monty Python line, sorry).

I know you didn’t get your A goal, but that’s why there is a next time, amirite? We’ll be here to watch, wonder and support.

You’ll get it! Honestly I would avoid both the gu and Gatorade. My stomach doesn’t tolerate them. I’ve dealt with bleeding ulcers and stomach issues for a long time. I finally sought the advice of an MD who practices natural medicine. They base all your care on your labs. It has done wonders for me. I’ve also read a lot about healing a leaky gut. Great job regardless!!

That sucks that you missed it, but look at all the support you had! Brooke doesn’t care if you met your goal, I am sure she and your family think you are a rockstar!

I have plans for a few half marathons next year and maybe a 10K……….my next marathon will be in 2017………….I do one every other year.

I like both big and small races, but I think I slightly prefer the small ones!

What a wonderful post! I’m so sorry that the day didn’t go as planned, but I love your attitude. Like you said, it’s okay to be sad you didn’t get your goal – but then you move on and work hard for next time. Life really is how we respond to it. Thanks for sharing your positivite mindset with all of us – it’s contagious. xo

You are incredible. You’re the toughest person ever. You’re a complete winner because you finished that marathon and did so well time-wise. I cannot imagine even walking a mile, let alone doing your stellar performance under those conditions. Your determination and grit are truly inspiring. It’s odd to say, but I am so proud of you and I love you!

I ran my first marathon this year and was gunning for a 3:40. I ran a 3:47:29–pretty good for my first marathon, but I didn’t meet my goal and was bummed that afternoon. I pulled myself together the next day though and felt proud of my first effort—loved the poem that your friend shared with you because it’s right. I found a coach to help me to get that 3:40 on my next try next fall, and you’re right, too—-keep chasing your dreams, keep looking at the positives, and keep your chin up, even though it isn’t always EASY to do that :)

I hit the wall at mile 23 of my first marathon–so so close to the end. It was just unchartered territory for me–I’d never ever felt those miles before. I probably ran some of the earlier miles too fast, too. I just felt like a zombie–wasn’t sure how I was putting one foot in front of the other.

I’m doing some destination races this spring—Key West 1/2 in Jan, Shamrock in March, Seattle Rock and Roll in June. I’d like to do the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler and Philly Broad Street 10 Miler–they’re both lottery entry, so we’ll see :)

Big or small–hard to choose! I’ve done both and enjoyed both :)

Keep rocking it like the ROCK STAR that you are, Janae. You inspire so so so many people, and that in itself is more important/impactful than any numbers or PR could ever be :) :) :)

It is so easy to get sick after an airplane ride. I know they say the air is fine but I believe that if several people are sick, I can breathe it in the entire plane ride. Also, just touching things at the airports after someone else is sick, can spread it. You were absolutely amazing for being that sick and not having fuel. It shows how well you fueled your body ahead of time.

I think we all want our family members to be proud of us for making a goal but they are proud whether we make it or not. One really positive thing is that you brought your family together. Brooke got to see her extended family and have time with them. She will never forget those memories and the time she spends with them.

Children are sponges and they learn much more what we do than what we say. If one stays upset they did not meet their goal for a week, children will follow suit and start doing the same thing. It is funny because children just let things roll off their backs until they learn to do things differently. I am glad you are not letting a goal upset you for so long. The positives, you got to the start line without any injuries!! You looked super cute in your running outfit and you have excellent form as evidenced by the last picture of you running to the finish. Without a doubt, you would have made it sub 3 if you were well.

I have a half marathon in Early January and I don’t feel I will be ready. I planned an excellent training schedule adding miles slowly over time so I won’t get injured and to protect my IT band. But, my dog passed away in August and I did not feel like running. Even though I ran, I did not keep up my schedule. My mom had a stroke last month (she is doing well now) and between hospital visits and visiting her at home, my training schedule suffered. I will get through it but not the way I wanted or planned. But, it is okay because that is life. I plan to have fun and enjoy the race, Disney (Disney is always fun!!), hoping my body won’t take much of a beating because I have a 15k the next month with my cousin and her husband. Keep your chin up and try until you make it.

You are amazing. (Read that again.)

I love how much your family loves you.

Janae you are so inspiring! I can’t believe you ran a marathon after throwing up and not being able to feel any fuel down. I don’t know if I would have been able to finish. Your determination to reach your goals will keep you going!!! Enjoy your rest!

sending you all the virtual hugs! running 26.2 miles with a stomach flu is crazy, and that took so much strength just to finish, and i’m sure your family is SO proud of you. xo

Janae I’m so sorry your marathon didn’t go as planned :( but you still ran an amazing race! I’m sure your next races will be that much sweeter when you finish them and the stars align for you!

On a little side note, I ran my first marathon on Sunday at CIM! I BQed as well, and I actually used your words as motivation to finish that dreaded last 10K! I came across in 3:02, so no sub three either. There’s always next time, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store next for you!!

I won’t tell you not to be disappointed with how the day went. I won’t tell you not to be sad about missing your goal, even if it was a post-baby PR. I won’t tell you that it doesn’t suck about stomach issues or getting period…and more. Fact of the matter is, you are allowed to feel those things because this matters to you. Anyone who says you should JUST be happy you finished despite all those things is right, but wrong at the same time. There is nothing wrong with wanting more. DO celebrate another marathon, DO celebrate a post-Brooke PR. But DON’T let this go without learning from it and using it as fuel going forward. You absolutely can go sub-3, use this as even more motivation. Maybe this means eating differently and being more conservative about indulgences. Maybe this means attempting to pace differently, regardless of the course changes. Maybe this means approaching training runs with a a stronger mindset about easy runs being SLOW and really pushing those workouts (but also nailing specific sub-3 paces on other workouts and not just going faster). Maybe this means chipping away at your goal (I had to go for a sub-3:05 before sub-3…made it more manageable for me). You have a wicked strong support system, a lot of motivation, and have talent- use it!

this was such an encouragement to read and while my heart goes out to you and i hate that you felt so awful and were discouraged, you did such an incredible job persevering and still killing it while you felt so depleted and terrible. that’s a true test of character and endurance and you’re an amazing athlete & human being and such an inspiration!

Janae, you are awesome and so so inspiring.

Hm. Judging by the fact you were sick the whole day it does sound suspiciously like stomach flu. :( Seriously bad timing…there’s the odd chance it could be one of the other things but you’ve never had those reactions before so I say go with your first instinct.

You did REALLY well and those of us keeping up are impressed with you as you continue to move forward and keep trying. That’s a great example to Brooke. Keep going after your dream.

Such a great accomplishment considering how you were feeling! I also think the level of family support you have is amazing.

Oh Lordy bee….well I am super impressed with everything that you tackled on that marathon day. No choice, most times in life, but to just..keep..going. I’ve done ONE marathon and it was way back in 2001 in Vermont. It was very humbling as I went in saying “as long as we don’t finish last” I’ll be happy. About 10 days before the big day I’m diagnosed with chronic Achilles tendinitis. Being young, and dumb, I decided to still run. The pain..the pain…the pain….from the very first step. I basically ran/walked/limped the first half and then walked the second half. I, literally, was the last official finisher in 6:03. YEP!!!! Four months of training, on-par with my then goal of a 4 hour marathon and I am the last name on the official finisher’s list. Couldn’t walk for DAYS afterwards…I crawled around my house.

Well done, Janae! You have a great attitude, and reading your blog really helps me a lot. Hopefully you get better soon so you can punch Dave in the gut for me. What a great brother being there for you (don’t tell him I said he’s great, it’ll get to his head. :) ). I’m sure your brothers and whole family are very proud of you. Keep it up!

This post made me cry! Thanks for sharing! You are incredible and your honesty is appreciated! You should get some fun runs in with Bryn! I know she would love to run with you! Xoxo

Lots of respect for you! Thanks for sharing. And as you know your family didn’t go to the race to see you get a sub-3 they went to support you and turns out we need more support when things don’t go as planned so it was great they could be there :)

<3

Thank you for this post. You are amazing. You inspire me to run better and hope more!

Girl, you are amazing and you can do hard things!

5th and sick!
That’s evidence you’re ready to reach your goal….like all the amazing job you’ve been doing for it.
It’s just a question of time, listen to your body, give it the time to heal as long as it takes. It’s not easy, it’s an hard job; but working hard = reaping the benefits.
And then everything will fall into place, mind & body on the same wavelength, and you will run the marathon enjoying every step and thinking to all the ups & downs that have brought you there :)

I agree with your bro here. The tough ones take more heart and character than the ‘easy’ ones. You are full of both. You could have thrown the towel in, you could have walked off that course, but you didn’t. You still found your way to the finish line, even when things didn’t go as planned. Pretty amazing if you ask me. Well done, HRG. Keep your head up.